“Dancing with the Stars” Recap: Redfoo Is the First to Go

ABC/Craig Sjodin(LOS ANGELES) — Redfoo of the “Party Rock Anthem” duo LMFAO was the first celebrity eliminated from season 20 of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars Monday night.

The couple with the lowest combined total of judges’ scores and viewers’ votes from the previous week’s performances is eliminated.

The judges were not impressed by Redfoo’s Cha Cha technique during his performance on the March 16 premiere — although they did commend his showmanship.

Redfoo and model Charlotte McKinney were tied for the bottom spot on the leaderboard after their respective season premiere performances.

Ironically, Redfoo earned one of the highest scores Monday night for a Jive with partner Emma Slater.  There were loud boos from the audience when co-host Tom Bergeron announced that he would be going home.

Redfoo appeared disappointed, but said he was happy he had the opportunity to dance. “I did my best. I think Emma is the best and, you know, I wanted to be there for her,” he said.

Bergeron said the elimination underscored the importance of viewer participation. “You’ve got to vote, guys,” he said. “This is somebody who did a great job and because of viewer votes…and a tenth of a percent, a tenth of a percent.”

The theme for the second show was #MyJamMonday. The stars danced to their favorite jams.

Here’s a rundown of the performances:

Chris Soules: The four judges encouraged the star of The Bachelor to work harder. Head judge Len Goodman said Soules’ jam with partner Witney Carson “got in a little bit of a pickle here and there,” although he commended him for doing “an okay job” with just four days to rehearse the routine. Julianne Hough said she thought the choreography was “intricate” for the second week, but said Soules was enthusiastic and entertaining. Bruno Tonioli pointed out that Soules’ posture was “much more erect” than it was in the previous week, and Carrie Ann Inaba added that, while Soules seemed “up for the challenge,” he needed to take a less-casual approach. Soules earned three 5s and a 6, for a total of 21 out of a possible 40 points.

Suzanne Somers: The 68-year-old actress’ peppy Jive with partner Tony Dovolani won the judges over. “That was awesome!” Hough said, adding that Somers embodied what the competition was all about, which was improvement week after week. A pleased Tonioli called the routine “teasing but never sleazy,” and Inaba said she loved to see the spring in Somers’ step. Goodman said Somers’ routine was terrific, noting that she danced with “energy and verve.” Somers earned four 7s, for a total of 28 points.

Robert Herjavec: The Shark Tank star earned praise for his Foxtrot with partner Kym Johnson. Inaba said she was impressed that Herjavec kept up with the “really challenging routine,” and said the couple made such a cute pair that it almost made her “a little nauseous.” Tonioli said Herjavec had “supreme selling power,” while Goodman saw Herjavec’s “style” and “panache.” Hough gave Herjavec pointers for improving his frame, telling him it was all in the attitude. He earned four 7s, for a total of 28 points.

Charlotte McKinney: The judges liked the model’s playful, beach-themed Cha Cha. “You gave it to me. Honey, that was really good,” Inaba said, adding that McKinney needed to work more on the articulation of her feet. Goodman said the routine was fun and “better than last week,” and Hough said she believed McKinney had untapped potential. In a video before her performance, McKinney said she was bullied online for her figure, but after the routine Tonioli told her: “Darling, you’re gorgeous. If you’ve got it, flaunt it…be yourself. Be happy with it.” He also told her partner, Keo Motsepe, to help McKinney on how best to work with her body. McKinney earned two 6s and two 7s, for a total of 26 points.

Michael Sam: The judges praised the football player’s confident Foxtrot with partner Peta Murgatroyd. Last week, Goodman called Sam’s footwork “atrocious.” On Monday, he commended the footwork and the routine. Hough said the routine was “like a Broadway performance, it was picture perfect, it was so beautiful.” Tonioli called the routine a timeless blend of Motown style and classic Foxtrot, adding: “for such a big bruiser, you were so light on your feet.” Inaba said she was truly impressed at Sam’s “transformation” from last week. “You are in the game, my friend!” she said. Sam earned four 7s, for a total of 28 points.

Rumer Willis: The actress’s Cha Cha — performed to “Rumour Has It” — earned her a standing ovation from the ballroom audience and plaudits from the judges. “You’re pretty much a powerhouse,” Hough said, while urging Willis to relax her upper body and breathe a little bit. Tonioli said Willis had a “keen sense of purpose.” Inaba told Willis’ partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, that she loved the choreography. Added Goodman: “It’s no rumor, Rumer. You can dance.” She earned four 8s, for a total of 32 points.

Redfoo: Last week, the judges were unhappy with Redfoo’s Cha Cha, but they were happy with the musician’s high-energy Jive on Monday. “You went from running on empty to running on plenty,” Tonioli said. A thrilled Inaba said Redfoo “killed it!” Goodman said what the routine lacked in technique it made up for in energy, and Hough said it was “awesome.” Redfoo earned three 8s and a 7, for a total of 31 points.

Willow Shields: The Hunger Games actress and partner Mark Ballas received rave reviews for their pop art-inspired Argentine tango. Goodman admired the maturity in Shields’ performance. Hough said Shields had intensity, and Inaba praised the actress’ “incredible lines.” Added Tonioli: “Your lines and shapes were incredible…you’re a potential winner.” Willow earned four eights for a total of 32 points.

Noah Galloway: The U.S. Army veteran dedicated his samba to his girlfriend, who was away on military training, and the judges were impressed by Galloway’s strength, control and rhythm. Tonioli and Inaba said the routine was “hot,” with Inaba adding that she was impressed by how the double amputee had formed a whole new set of skills for the dance floor. Hough said Galloway’s musicality was “on point,” and Goodman added: “the rhythm in your hips put a smile on my face. You’re an ordinary guy but you do extraordinary things.” Galloway earned three 7s and a 6, for a total of 27 points. After he learned his score, his girlfriend surprised him by showing up and giving him a hug on the set. He beamed and hugged her, calling her unexpected appearance “amazing.”

Nastia Liukin: The Olympian’s rumba was “so beautifully executed,” Julianne Hough said, while adding that she didn’t feel a connection between Liukin and her pro partner, Derek Hough, until the second half of the dance. Derek Hough and Julianne Hough are siblings. Tonioli called Liukin’s performance “marvelous motion,” while Inaba’s jaw dropped in amazement. “The quality of motion was spectacular,” she said. Goodman said the dance started off clean and crisp and then bloomed. Liukin earned two 9s and two 8s, for a total of 34 points.

Riker Lynch: The Glee star and R5 band member’s Foxtrot with partner Allison Holker won him praise for his poise and his sleek appearance, a marked difference from his edgier look of last week. “I love your finishes. You put in tiny little details…but you maintain the style throughout. Good job,” Tonioli said. Inaba said Lynch’s performance was “so presentational,” adding that he was elegant but still himself. Goodman remarked on Lynch’s refined hair and dancing, and while he pointed out that Lynch’s hold could also be refined somewhat, he said he liked the performance. Hough called the routine “beautiful,” adding that Lynch (who is her cousin) had “such dynamic ability.” Lynch earned four 8s, for a total of 32 points.

Patti LaBelle: Dancing with an injured knee to 50 Cent’s “In Da Club,” LaBelle’s saucy Cha Cha with partner Artem Chigvintsev had both Inaba and Hough bowing to her in admiration. “That was so fun! I want to go to the club with you, too,” Hough said. LaBelle earned four 7s, for a total of 28 points.

Here are Monday night’s scores:

  • Nastia Liukin and Derek Hough: 34
  • Riker Lynch and Allison Holker: 32
  • Rumer Willis and Valentin Chmerkovskiy: 32
  • Willow Shields and Mark Ballas: 32
  • Redfoo and Emma Slater: 31 (They were voted off)
  • Robert Herjavec and Kym Johnson: 28
  • Patti LaBelle and Artem Chigvintsev: 28
  • Suzanne Somers and Tony Dovolani: 28
  • Michael Sam and Peta Murgatroyd: 28
  • Noah Galloway and Sharna Burgess: 27
  • Charlotte McKinney and Keo Motsepe: 26
  • Chris Soules and Witney Carson: 21

Dancing with the Stars returns next Monday at 8 p.m. Eastern time on ABC.


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